[Varenicline: an aid to smoking cessation therapy]

Varenicline orally administered nicotine acetylcholine receptor partial agonist is approved by the US FDA and the MEA for use as an aid to smoking cessation therapy. Varenicline is more effective than bupropion but does not reduce weight gain after cessation. The superiority of de varenicline on the nicotine is not demonstrated. Nausea is a frequent adverse effect. The long term safety of varenicline is unknown. The major weapons for smoking cessation are represented by the motivation of the patient and a long term psychotherapy. As to the subject of drugs, varenicline is situated in second position, after the failure of a nicotine substitute.